The Active Phase of the 'Rubezh-2026, Involving the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces of the Central Asia, has commenced in Kazakhstan

The active phase of the "Rubezh-2026" joint exercise, involving the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces of the Central Asian Region (CRDF CAR), has commenced at the Koktal training range in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the exercise, forces are practicing the preparation and conduct of combat operations to eliminate illegal armed formations that have invaded the territory of a CSTO member state.

The official opening ceremony was attended by CSTO Deputy Secretary General Mirlan Turgunbekov, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan Major General Askar Zholamanov, Deputy Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff Lieutenant General Ruslan Shpekbayev, and other invited officials.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, CSTO Deputy Secretary General Mirlan Turgunbekov stated:

"The political and military significance of our exercise is reinforced by its joint execution, under a unified concept and plan, alongside the 'Resolute Repulse-2026' strategic command and staff exercise of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The exercises are being conducted amid an escalating crisis in the international relations system and the persisting conflict potential in the Central Asian region and the CSTO collective security area. Our heads of state are taking all necessary measures to develop the forces and assets of the collective security system to jointly counter modern challenges and threats. Given the complex military-political environment and regional instability, the Collective Rapid Deployment Forces of the Central Asian Region must maintain constant readiness to conduct joint operations within the CSTO area of responsibility."